Download What`s a Designer baby? What is PGD? The term `designer baby

What’s a Designer baby?
What is PGD?
The term 'designer baby' made its entry into the Oxford English Dictionary in
2004, where it is defined as "a baby whose genetic makeup has been
artificially selected by genetic engineering, combined with in vitro
fertilization to ensure the presence or absence of particular genes or
characteristics."
Advances in genetics allow for parents and doctors to genetically screen
embryos for any genetic disorders.
In vitro fertilization (IVF) technique involves the fertilization of the egg by
the sperm in test tubes, outside the mother's body. This allows doctors to
screen the embryos. Genetic screening has made it possible to eliminate
genes associated with several genetic defects and terminal illnesses.
A revolutionary technique called “preimplantation process” is used to screen
embryos for any genetic disease and only the disease-free embryos are
implanted into the mother's womb. However, the technique is not limited to
screening for genetic and hereditary disorders, but is also used for cosmetic
reasons (selected/desired traits or genes).
Dr. Jeff Steinberg, Director of the Los Angeles Fertility Institute, who played
a major role in the world's first test tube baby in 1978, states that by using
preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD), parents can choose the gender,
eye, skin, and hair color of the baby. Various other physical traits such as
intelligence, beauty, height, stopping a propensity towards obesity, freedom
from mental illnesses, athletic ability, etc. can be also determined. He went
on to say that this service is available solely to couples seeking IVF.
Designer babies have been debated for over a decade. While some people
believe designer babies can revolutionize life beyond our imagination, others
believe such a revolutionizing technique can cause harm to mankind in the
future.
Discuss the pros and cons of PGD.